Head Chef

Searcys; Greater London; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% discount across Searcys venues

Pension scheme enrollment

Up to 35 days annual leave

Employee assistance programme

Meals provided on shift

Cycle to work scheme

Birthday day off

Volunteer day

Job summary

Searcys is recruiting a Head Chef for Portrait Restaurant at the National Portrait Gallery in London. You will lead the kitchen, mentor a brigade, and ensure exceptional food and service aligned with the venue's prestige. You’ll work with the senior team to plan menus and deliver memorable dining experiences.

You’ll be part of a historic hospitality legacy, benefiting from industry-leading perks and a supportive working environment that recognises excellence and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience in people management.
• Takes the initiative and supports a team.
• Demonstrates high level of organisation.
• Willing to work the hours and needs of the business.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changes.
• Positive and cooperative attitude.

Responsibilities

• Provide food/service to a high standard, assisting senior chefs with functions across the business.
• Manage kitchen brigade in the absence of the executive chef.
• Assist training of junior staff.
• Liaise with team to plan food provisions for all areas.
• Place orders directly with suppliers.
• Ensure smooth daily operations and adherence to pre-agreed menu.
• Manage stock levels and waste; control costs.
• Ensure food presentation meets senior chef standards.
• Comply with health, hygiene, safety, licensing and local authority requirements.
• Demonstrate personal development and support senior management requests.

Skills

People management

Organisational skills

Team player

Job description

Sunday to Tuesday daytime only Wednesday to Saturday lunch and dinner service.

Searcys are looking for a Head Chef to join the team at the National Portrait Gallery.

As a Head Chef at Searcys, you’ll be at the heart of creating unforgettable dining experiences, delivering exceptional food that leaves a lasting impression on every guest. More than supporting the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, you’ll inspire and mentor the brigade, helping shape a passionate and high-performing team.

At the stunning Portrait Restaurant, located within London’s iconic National Portrait Gallery, Searcys partnered with Michelin-starred chef Richard Corrigan to create one of the capital’s most exciting culinary destinations. Since opening, Portrait Restaurant has earned industry recognition for its world-class food and drink, quickly becoming one of London’s must-visit dining experiences.

As a Head Chef you will enjoy a selection of industry leading benefits:

• 50% discount across Searcys venues
• Enrolment into the Searcys pension scheme
• Up to 35 days annual leave (dependant on job role)
• Access to everyday discounts and communication portal
• Employee assistance programme
• Meals provided on shift when working within one of our venue
• Cycle to work scheme
• Your birthday off to celebrate in style
• A day off to volunteer / give back to the charity of your choice

Key Responsibilities

• To provide food/service to a consistent high standard, including assisting senior chefs with functions in other different areas throughout the business.
• To manage the kitchen brigade in the absence of the executive chef
• To assist training of junior staff
• To liaise with key people in the team in order to plan for the provision of food in all areas
• To place order directly with suppliers.
• To ensure smooth running of daily operations which include ensuring no disruption to the pre agreed menu offer.
• Responsible to manage stock levels of that specific area including ordering when required as well as waste control.
• Ensure the presentation of the food is consistent with the standards set by senior chefs.
• To comply with all legal requirements with particular reference to (but not exclusively) fire regulations, security, licence requirements and any Local Authority or Client stipulations.
• To ensure all Health, Hygiene and Safety requirements are being adhered to
• As described in the Searcy Health & Safety Policy, including best practices to ensure personal hygiene at all times.
• Demonstrate Personal Development.
• Any other reasonable request by the Senior Management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience in people management
• Takes the initiative
• Supportive / Team player
• Demonstrate high level of organisation.
• To be willing to work the hours and the needs of the business
• To be able to work under pressure and to cope with any unforeseen circumstances i.e. function changes, requirements, sickness, etc.
• To have a positive and co-operative attitude.

Additional Information

We are the oldest caterer in the UK, having been founded in 1847, working with us will give you an opportunity to be part of some of London’s most prestigious events, gaining insights and mentoring from skilled and experienced colleagues, as well as getting a chance to be part of a storied legacy in the hospitality industry.

A career at Searcys means you are part of something special, we are an employer with a rich history, and an established reputation which will provide you with an enormous sense of pride and belonging.